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Article Surfing ArchiveRomantic Italy - Articles SurfingToday, Norm Goldman, Editor of www.Bookpleasures.com & www.Sketchandtravel.com, is pleased to have as guest of Thetimesharebeat.com, Maria Liberati, supermodel and author of the soon to be released cook- book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking. The cookbook will contain recipes Maria discovered as a guest of various agriturismi (country farms), as well as her family's vineyard. It also includes her encounters with chefs of some of Italy's trattoria (dining establishments). In addition, the cookbook contains stories about Maria's travels around Italy. Maria is a former Miss Pennslvania and Miss International World, however Maria has confided in me that she wouldn't consider herself a 'pageant junkie'. It just gave her a great deal of experience and self- confidence. She holds a degree from Temple University in Foreign Languages, and is now in demand by many European type food companies to serve as marketing consultant, as well as spokesperson on TV and in print ads. The following is an interview conducted by Norm Goldman, Editor of Bookpleasures. Com and Sketchandtravel.com, with Maria, who provides us with some very timely information pertaining to romantic getaways in Italy. Maria now lives six months of the year in Italy.
Please tell our readers something about yourself and your expertise pertaining to romantic getaways in Italy? Maria: My grandfather and his family owned a vineyard in the mountains of Abruzzi, and I practically grew up learning a great deal about Italian cooking. Moreover, due to my modeling career, I spent a great deal of time in Italy. When I was not modeling, I had the opportunity to study regional Italian cooking at what are known as 'agriturismi.' This is the Italian word for country farms that are also bed and breakfasts serving meals produced from the fresh foods grown and produced in many different regions of Italy. Generally tourists tend to know about the popular and crowded places that can be very impersonal. Traveling by car and foot throughout Italy has provided me with windows to some of the most spectacular venues. Norm: You mention that you have a great deal of experience of staying in bed and breakfasts on organic farms in Italy (agriturisimi). Could you tell our readers something about these B&Bs and why you consider them to be appropriate as romantic or honeymoon destinations? Maria: The 'agriturismi,' aside from being great places to learn about Italian foods, tend to be some of the most romantic vacation spots in Italy. They are usually located high up on a hill with breathtaking views of a town. If located in a city like Rome, they would be found away from the principal areas. Consequently, they are usually situated in peaceful, serene and picturesque settings. What could be more romantic than staying on a vineyard, and being able to take a peaceful walk picking a fresh piece of fruit to munch on while your walking? Norm: Why would you consider Italy a good choice for a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon destination? Maria: Italy is beyond doubt one of the best places for a romantic getaway or honeymoon- not only because of the variety of breathtaking beauty and romantic views surrounding you, but also the Italian lifestyle. Italians love romance, their songs are all based on romance and about love. People love to see couples walking hand in hand or arm in arm. Even just the simple ritual of eating a meal has a romantic feel to it. When you sit down to eat dinner at a restaurant or even at a bed and breakfast it is meant to be a long, drawn out ritual. In other words, an activity that is shared and enjoyed between two people, and not something over with in 10 minutes. Take for example picnics in Italy. If you opt to have spontaneous romantic picnics, you have access to some of the most romantic locations in the world. Moreover, at your disposal are a variety of fresh bread and pizza at the local 'forno' (pronounced 'for-noh'), as well as cheeses found in local cheese shops or supermarkets. Even some of the major cities such as Rome, Milan or Florence, all have their quiet venues, where you can savor your food and enjoy the romantic ambiance.
Why have cooking classes in Italy become so popular? Maria: Actually it is a new trend and my own company has received many requests to put together these packages for couples. In fact, I am working with a journalist on an article that will shortly appear in February 2005 in Women and Fitness Magazine. Of course it is themed around St Valentine's Day. Anyways, it is a trend for couples to take cooking classes not only in Italy but also in the USA. What better way to share a wonderful experience and create something together, and then enjoy the romantic experience of eating what both of you just created? It is time that Americans catch on to what the Italians have known for years- that cooking is a wonderful romantic experience. It is non-threatening in that you can be creative at your own pace together- and then partake in a romantic meal together. It can be a prelude to watching a romantic movie. You can even go shopping together at a local fresh food market before you cook the meal. So it is a wonderful romantic trend and it is becoming more and more popular. Norm: When is the best time to visit Italy from the point of view of weather, costs, and crowds? Maria: I have visited Italy during every season and there is almost no bad time to be there. However, if I had to select my favorite time it would be summer and fall, when I can enjoy the beautiful Italian sun shining down on the colorful scenery.
If you had to choose 5 unequalled venues in Italy for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, what would they be and why? Maria: First, I must say that it is really difficult for me to narrow my choices down to 5 venues. Please also note that some of my picks are not the usual places people may choose. I like to find the unusual and the not highly commercial favorites. Why Ishcia? It is famous for its spas as a result of the thermal waters. You find saunas that are not man made but actually exist inside a cave on the side of the volcano in Ischia.
WHY ROME? To walk around Rome is analogous to living in an art museum. One of the most romantic piazzas (square) is Piazza Navona, particularly at night, where you will find many outdoor restaurants and beautiful statues. There is the famous and beautiful-Bar de la Pace- which is located at a far corner of Piazza Navona. It is a favorite of international celebrities. And if you want to have some great pizza- again ask a local for a 'forno' and you will experience some great, freshly baked pizza and bread. The Romans are famous for a type of roll called a 'rosetta' it is crusty but at the same time light and airy. So ask for a rosetta, fill it with cheese and you have a wonderful picnic type lunch or snack. -Venice is a very romantic spot. I hesitate to recommend Venice; although it is one of the most beautiful and romantic spots in the world, it has just become too 'touristy'. However, if you visit Italy and can do it, you must see Venice and experience its beauty. WHY VENICE? -TUSCANY WHY TUSCANY? -OLTRANTO WHY OLTRANTO?
How far in advance should a couple prepare themselves for a honeymoon or getaway in Italy? MARIA: For a honeymoon or romantic getaway, you should really start getting your ideas and plans together at least a year in advance. For reservations, etc for hotels, destinations, you need to plan that at least 3- 6 months in advance. Italy is a favorite destination for many, especially for weddings and romantic getaways.
What people should know about planning a wedding in Italy as far as requirements, etc. MARIA: If you are an American citizen you mainly need three documents to apply for the proper documents for an Italian Wedding: *A US Passport The documents that the Italian government requires are: *The Atto Notorio, which can be acquired on your own in the USA. This basically consists of you meeting in front of an Italian Consulate (go to one in the closest city near you in the USA) with your own witnesses. Each consulate has different requirements. (Call your closest local Italian Consulate to get their requirements for the Atto Notorio). *The next document is the Apostille. This is a document you get from your Secretary of State's office. It is just a matter of contacting your Secretary of State's office filling out a form and sending it to them and they send back to you a seal that is considered an Apostille. *Your birth, divorce and/or death certificates will need to be translated into Italian by your Secretary of State's office. These documents expire after three months. You cannot get these completed more than three months in advance. Thank you Maria and good luck in all of your future endeavors. Maria has her own WEB SITE that is presently under construction and will be completed by the spring of 2005'.
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